Air Force Sports Club (SC) is a pioneer in rugby among Sri Lanka’s tri-forces and has produced great fighting outfits throughout its illustrious history in the oval ball game.
This year the Airmen, led by Rumesh Wasantha, guided under the thoughtful hands of Head Coach Asela Deshapriya who continues his second season in Ratmalana, are eyeing a much better finish than last year’s unsatisfactory sixth spot.
Sitting in fourth place in the points table behind Havies, Kandy SC, and CR, these lads can upset the applecart on any given day as history has proved in the recent past, where Air Force teams created chaos by beating high-riding teams at crucial outings. This year, the team is fuelled by a mix of highly experienced campaigners as well as fresh schoolboy talent.
Two seasoned players – Saraka Werella and Pramod Pathmasanka – have been appointed as Co-Vice Captains this season and they continue to have the services of former Captain Gayantha Iddamalgoda, who is arguably one of the most senior players in the club rugby arena in the island overall.
The team is also powered by talismanic utility back Ishara Madushan and Parakrama Rathnayake, both former Captains of Air Force. Meanwhile, Shashika Fernando the daring No. 8/flanker and speedy winger Dharshana Dabare are two Sri Lanka National Rugby players from the current outfit.
With their official entry in 1961, Air Force were promoted in 1972 to the top ‘A’ Division. During the 1980s, they produced some top-class players including Tikiri Marambe, Nalin de Silva, Harsha Fernando, Lofty Perera, Nilantha Tennakoon, and Tony Wimalasuriya. In 1986, Air Force, led by Lakshman Caldera, won their maiden Clifford Cup, defeating Police in the final (10 – 8).
In 2019, Air Force were crowned champions of the prestigious Clifford Cup Knockouts after 33 years, beating Havelocks in the finals.
Air Force SC: Results so far
Air Force beat CH & FC: 36 – 15
Havelocks beat Air Force: 30 – 19
Air Force beat Sri Lions: 29 – 27
Air Force beat Navy SC: 29 – 24
CR & FC beat Air Force: 27 – 16
Air Force beat Police SC: 20 – 19
Kandy beat Air Force: 37 – 5